22 Must-Attend Machine Learning Conferences in 2020
Looking to attend a Machine Learning event or two this year? We’ve listed 22 of the top conferences happening in 2020.
The term “machine learning” was first coined in 1959 by Arthur Samuel, a pioneer in the fields of computer gaming and artificial intelligence. It refers to the study of algorithms that computer systems use to perform specific tasks without receiving step-by-step instructions.
In recent years, as the field of artificial intelligence has become more “every day” and less “science fiction novel”, AI events have been founded to help educate the general public. Some of these events focus specifically on machine learning. Those are the ones we want to share with you today.
Here are the top 22 machine learning conferences in 2020:
1. Deep Learning Summit
Source: Re-Work
Start Date: January 30th, 2020
Location: San Francisco, California
Description: Learn how to use AI to solve common business problems.
Why You Should Attend: Another conference focusing on deep learning, a subfield of machine learning. This San Francisco-area event, hosted by industry leaders Re-Work, will feature extraordinary speakers from the world’s leading innovators, and host over 600 attendees. Their aim is to “bridge the gap between the latest technological research advancements and real-world applications in business and society.” It’s a tall order, but Re-Work has a history of hosting incredible events and the Deep Learning Summit should carry on this tradition with flying colors. Whether you work in machine learning or another AI field, this conference is worth attending.
2. Reinforce AI Conference
Source: KDnuggets
Start Date: April 6th, 2020
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Description: See how AI is shaping the world and how your company can use it to fix real-world problems.
Why You Should Attend: Andrew Ng, famed computer scientist and entrepreneur, once said that AI is the new electricity. He’s probably right. It’s tough to think of an industry that won’t someday be impacted by artificial intelligence. But for those who don’t want to wait for “someday”, for those who want to learn about the latest developments in AI and machine learning now, there’s Reinforce AI Conference. Attendees will hear from experts at Google, Stripe, and more while enjoying the unique city of Budapest.
3. Applied Machine Learning Conference
Source: Tom Tom Festival
Start Date: April 15th, 2020
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Description: A unique machine learning conference in its fourth year.
Why You Should Attend: Labeled as the “best boutique machine learning conference on the east coast,” the Applied Machine Learning Conference stands apart from the rest of the events on this list. First off, it’s only one day long and less expensive than most other conferences of this nature, so it’s highly accessible. It’s also hosted in the small, charming city of Charlottesville, VA rather than a mega-metropolitan area. These differences only add to the conference experience overall. Attendees will hear from business leaders, university professors, and more. They’ll also be able to network with others in their field, meet recruiters looking for top talent, and have a great time at one of the power lunches or after parties.
4. International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR)
Source: Medium
Start Date: April 26th, 2020
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Description: Dive deep into the field of deep learning at this premier event.
Why You Should Attend: Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning. But if you’re interested in attending ICLR, you probably already knew that. What you might not know is why every deep learning professional should be at this amazing event. As one of the fastest growing conferences in the world, ICLR will host over 4,000 event goers at their 2020 gathering. Attendees will learn about compositional modeling, structured prediction, and a whole lot more.
5. GOTO Conference
Source: GOTO Conference
Start Date: April 27th, 2020
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Description: Learn what’s really working in AI today at this Chicago-based conference.
Why You Should Attend: When you attend GOTO 2020, you’ll learn what’s really working in AI from the world’s top creators, pioneers, and thought leaders. Want to know which technologies are most useful today or what the future of software will look like? Wondering how AI can help you build a more collaborative team? Get your ticket to GOTO and you’ll learn all of this and more from leaders at companies like Microsoft, GitHub, and Twillio. Specific conference topics include machine learning, programming languages, and security.
6. Deep Learning World
Source: Deep Learning World
Start Date: May 11th, 2020
Location: Munich, Germany
Description: Machine learning insights for professionals in just about any industry.
Why You Should Attend: Ready to learn how to apply the stunning developments in deep tech to everyday business tasks? The experts at Deep Learning World will show you how. Whether you work in healthcare, hospitality, finance, marketing, manufacturing, or some other field, this conference will give your career a boost. Learn from industry leaders, network with your peers from multiple countries, and enjoy yourself in the beautiful city of Munich.
7. AI Summit NSW 2020
Source: Forefront Events
Start Date: May 21st, 2020
Location: Sydney, Australia
Description: Learn how to capitalize on your organization’s AI strategy.
Why You Should Attend: 40% of all digital transformation initiatives will use AI by 2021. Which means this technology is incredibly important to understand today. At the AI Summit NSW 2020, attendees will glean in-depth insights regarding AI implementation from top technology thought-leaders. If you’re looking to enhance your business via artificial intelligence, this is the perfect event to attend.
8. DATAx San Francisco
Source: DATAx San Francisco
Start Date: June 10th, 2020
Location: San Francisco, California
Description: A unique blend of data-focused content that helps attendees find real-world solutions to common problems.
Why You Should Attend: This event, hosted in the luxurious Marriott Marquis Hotel in San Francisco, CA, will dive into the practical side of AI. Whether you want to discover more about machine learning, structured and unstructured data, computer vision, or some other topic regarding artificial intelligence, you can learn about it at DATAx San Francisco. That’s why employees from some of mega companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google attend year after year. Join more than 400 other data-heads in 2020 and propel your career forward.
9. ML Conference
Source: ML Conference
Start Date: June 17th, 2020
Location: Munich, Germany
Description: An AI event completely dedicated to machine learning.
Why You Should Attend: ML Conference is THE conference for machine learning innovation. By attending, you’ll learn how to better understand the data you work with, optimize the models you build, and dramatically improve the business you work for. You can also expect to hear keynote speeches from top experts in the field of machine learning, attend hands-on workshops, and network with professionals from a wide range of industries. It’s going to be a highly valuable event!
10. DSS Elevate: Virtual Salon
Source: DSS Elevate
Start Date: June 18th, 2020 – December 2020
Location: Virtual Event
Description: DSS virtual salon series includes three, four-day verticalized virtual salons in FALL/WINTER. They feature 30+ data science sessions crafted to bring specialists in different industries together to educate each other on innovative new solutions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics and best practices.
- Sep 22-25: DSS | Media, Advertising & Entertainment | virtual
- Nov 17-20: DSS | Retail & Ecommerce | virtual
- Dec 8-11: DSS | Travel, Finance & Technology | virtual
For female data scientists: DSS is also hosting the DSS Elevate Virtual Salon, a unique female focused virtual salon series designed to elevate women in data science:
- Jun 18: DSS Elevate Virtual Salon Vol. 2 | virtual
- Jul 30: DSS Elevate Virtual Salon Vol. 3 | virtual
- Aug 27: DSS Elevate Virtual Salon Vol. 4 | virtual
Why You Should Attend: The series will include plenty of networking opportunities and will have an “in-person” feel filled with meditation breaks, coffee chats, food demonstrations, breakout sessions and giveaways. You will also have access to connect with other registrants through the DSS Slack Workspace and the conference event app.
11. GECCO 2020
Source: GECCO
Start Date: July 8th, 2020
Location: Cancun, Mexico
Description: A conference that focuses on genetic and evolutionary computations.
Why You Should Attend: GECCO, short for Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference, has been in existence since 1999. Since its inception, GECCO has educated attendees on topics related to genetic and evolutionary computation. Event goers in 2020 can expect five amazing days of workshops and tutorials, keynote speeches from some of the industry’s top minds, and access to a thriving job market. If that’s not enough, the event is being held in Cancun. Learn about the future of machine learning in one of the world’s premier resort cities.
12. COLT Conference
Source: COLT Conference
Start Date: July 9th, 2020
Location: Graz, Austria
Description: A staple in AI events since 1988.
Why You Should Attend: COLT (Conference on Learning Theory) is a staple in the machine learning event community. Since 1988, attendees have flocked to this conference to hear from AI experts, submit their own research papers, and enjoy socializing with other professionals in their field. The 2020 event will be held at the Graz University of Technology in beautiful Austria. We recommend you keep this one on your radar.
13. International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML)
The room is as packed as a beehive on the Deep Reinforcement Learning track at @icmlconf. Jacob Foerster on stabilizing experience replay… pic.twitter.com/F8W8K19dSg
— Tudor Berariu (@_tudor) August 9, 2017
Source: Twitter
Start Date: July 12th, 2020
Location: Vienna, Austria
Description: ICML is one of the leading international machine learning conferences in the world.
Why You Should Attend: ICML is one of the most distinguished conferences on this list and is entering its 37th year. A conference is only able to run for that long of a time if it’s constantly able to deliver value to attendees, which is exactly what ICML does. In 2020, event goers can expect to hear from another slate of expert speakers and attend in-depth workshops on the current state and future of machine learning— all from the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria.
14. International Conference on Machine Learning and Data Mining (MLDM)
Source: Data Mining Blog
Start Date: July 18th, 2020
Location: New York City, New York
Description: A conference for professionals in machine learning and data mining.
Why You Should Attend: Join other AI professionals and enthusiasts in New York City for this six-day conference, now in its 16th year. The aim of this event is to bring together the brightest minds in machine learning and data mining to share insights and push the field forward. As an attendee, you’ll be able to hear from expert speakers, attend workshops, and network with your colleagues from around the world. If you feel so inclined, submit your research and/or application paper for review. The conference is currently accepting applications on over 65 topics related to machine learning.
15. Ai4
Source: Ai4 Healthcare
Start Date: September 1st, 2020
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Description: Exploring the top use cases for AI/ML technology in multiple industries.
Why You Should Attend: Across two days, explore the top use cases of artificial intelligence and machine learning within the finance, healthcare, security, and retail industries. At this conference, business execs and data practitioners will learn about AI adoption and practical best practices from AI experts. There will also be ample time to network with other AI professionals. For folks in one of the four industries mentioned, Ai4 is a must-attend event.
16. Intelligent Systems Conference (IntelliSys)
Source: Facebook
Start Date: September 3rd, 2020
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Description: A truly global event featuring speakers and attendees from many countries around the world.
Why You Should Attend: As one of the most respected technology events in the world, IntelliSys gives event goers a lot of bang for their buck. Attendees will hear from some of the top minds in AI, learn inventive new solutions to tough problems, and have the ability to network with other participants from over 50 different countries. Regarding machine learning and vision, one of the conferences four tracks is dedicated to the subject. Whether you want to learn more about human computer interaction, signal processing, or pattern recognition, IntelliSys will have information on the subject.
17. Strata Data and AI Conference
Source: Twitter
Start Date: September 14th, 2020
Location: New York City, New York
Description: Learn the latest breakthroughs in Data, AI, and machine learning.
Why You Should Attend: The Strata Data and AI Conference is the combination of two ever-interlinked technological trends: data and artificial intelligence. This O’Reilly event (maker of online courses and host of multiple conferences around the world), will help attendees gain career-boosting skills, test drive the latest machine learning tools, and network with some of the world’s most innovative data technologists. For those interested in learning about the integral connection between AI and data, this conference is a great choice.
18. KDD Conference
Source: Communications of the ACM
Start Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: Explore AI and machine learning in a truly unique and beautiful setting.
Why You Should Attend: In August 2019, the brightest researchers and practitioners in the field of artificial intelligence converged on Anchorage, AK for five amazing days of learning, networking, and fun. While the details for the 2020 event haven’t been officially released yet, the 26th annual gathering is sure to be just as exciting and informative as in years past. Professionals in data science, data mining, knowledge discovery, big data, and other specialties pertaining to machine learning always find incredible value in this conference. Check this post regularly for the latest updates on KDD 2020.
19. LOD Conference (Learning, Optimization, and Data Science)
Source: LOD
Start Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: A premier event for machine learning professionals.
Why You Should Attend: Approaching its sixth year, the LOD Conference is, in the event’s own words, a “single-track machine learning, computational optimization, data science conference that includes invited talks, special sessions, and demonstrations.” This is a premier event for those in machine learning and will feature brilliant minds from some of the world’s top universities and leading companies. Check back regularly for updates.
20. Neural Information Processing Systems Conference
Source: Approximately Correct
Start Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: A highly regarded event on machine learning and computational neuroscience.
Why You Should Attend: Since 1987, the Neural Information Processing Systems Conference (NIPS) has been educating attendees on the latest developments and theories in machine learning. The 2020 has yet to be announced and details aren’t readily available. But if you decide to attend this highly regarded conference this year, expect to learn important information regarding the future of machine learning, while networking with peers. We should also mention that childcare was provided in years past. If you’re unable to find a babysitter, just bring your kid(s) along for the ride.
21. British Machine Vision Conference (BMVC)
Source: BMVC
Start Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: A well-respected conference covering topics related to machine vision.
Why You Should Attend: This machine learning conference focuses specifically on machine vision, image processing, and pattern recognition. As one of the longest-running events on this list (in operation since 1985), BMVC enjoys a fabulous reputation in the artificial intelligence community. Attendees to the 2020 conference will listen to expert keynote speakers, attend hands-on workshops, and network with peers. As more details on this conference are released, we’ll add them here, so check back often.
22. AI and Machine Learning Summit
Source: AI and Machine Learning Summit
Start Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: Australia’s top AI and machine learning conference.
Why You Should Attend: The AI and Machine Learning Summit is the first of two Australia-based events on this list. If you’re up for a trip down under, consider booking your ticket to the fourth annual gathering of this conference. If you do, expect to learn from top speakers, dive deep into cross industry case studies, and participate in expert-moderated interactive roundtables. There will be a lot of practical knowledge available if you’re willing to make the trip.
Which Machine Learning Conferences Will You Attend?
There are a lot of tech events out there. But the 21 listed above focus specifically on machine learning. If that’s your field of interest, we recommend attending a few of them in 2020. Each will educate you on the latest developments, allow you to hear from industry leaders, and give you a chance to network and interact with your peers.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on March 8, 2019 and has since been updated.
